LAPD busts major burglary ring, seizes arsenal of weapons, officials say
Los Angeles police last week arrested eight members of what they are calling a prolific burglary crew they said was responsible for nearly 100 break-ins across the city, authorities announced Monday.
"This crew, which had victimized families and businesses, is no longer a threat to our neighborhoods," Mayor Karen Bass said at a press conference Monday.
The suspects, identified by police as members of the "Rich Rollin'" burglary crew, allegedly committed 92 residential burglaries dating back to 2022, with most occurring in 2024 and 2025, police said. The crimes spanned multiple Los Angeles neighborhoods, from West LA to the San Fernando Valley, according to police.
The arrested suspects range in age from 22 to 47, according to police. Seven of them were booked on charges including burglary and possession of controlled substances while armed, police said, while one suspect surrendered in response to an active warrant. Two further suspects who were already in custody on unrelated attempted murder charges were also charged in connection to the burglaries, according to police.
Police said they raided the crew early on the morning of Wednesday, Aug. 20, and executed search warrants at eight locations where they recovered an arsenal of weapons and stolen goods that included 15 firearms, high-capacity magazines, body armor, and a 50-round handgun drum magazine.
Officers also seized burglary tools, window punch tools, bear mace, face masks, headlamps, and handheld communication radios, according to police.
"These individuals represent the kind of repeat offenders we're targeting through our crime suppression strategies," LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said at Monday's press conference.
The investigation gained momentum in February when officers recognized a suspicious van from two prior burglaries, which led to three initial arrests, police said. An April search warrant yielded additional evidence, including rifles, handguns, stolen credit cards and fake IDs, according to officials.
"We're doing more with less," McDonnell said during Monday's press conference, describing a strategy that includes increased patrols, air support, mounted units, and community engagement programs.
District Attorney Nathan Hochman revealed that major online marketplaces are now partnering with law enforcement to combat burglaries.
"Amazon, eBay and Facebook Marketplace are working with police to help identify fencers," Hochman said, referring to criminals who sell stolen goods. This cooperation helps authorities track both the sellers of stolen merchandise and the original thieves, according to Hochman.
Mayor Bass noted that Los Angeles has seen homicides drop to a 60-year low and overall violent crime decrease.
"We will continue to make Los Angeles safer, neighborhood by neighborhood, block by block," she said.
